Former Atlanta Falcons receiver Julio Jones has announced his retirement from the NFL. Jones shared the news on April 4 through social media, teasing fans on Instagram before providing a more detailed announcement via the Squad app.
“I’m making this announcement today because of the city of Atlanta,” Jones stated. “Thank you, man. I appreciate y’all. It’s nothing but love. I’m doing this on 404 day.”
Jones, a product of the University of Alabama, was drafted in 2011 as the sixth pick by the Falcons following a significant trade deal with the Cleveland Browns. “We knew it was going to be an aggressive move and cost us,” then-GM Thomas Dimitroff said in 2011, talking about the trade that brought Jones to Atlanta.
Jones’ career with the Falcons, spanning from 2011-2020, was marked by several franchise records, including 12,896 receiving yards and 60 touchdowns. He became the fastest player to accumulate 12,000 receiving yards in NFL history during the 2019 season.
Jones expressed gratitude toward his teammates in his retirement announcement, highlighting players like Matt Ryan and Roddy White. “I want to thank my teammates in the league as well,” he said. “Matt Ryan, thank you. It was a lockout in 2011. You went as far as taking me to your home, showing me the playbook.”
After his time with the Falcons, Jones played for the Tennessee Titans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Philadelphia Eagles, with his last active season being in 2023. His legacy includes accolades such as seven Pro Bowls and two First-Team All-Pro selections.
Jones reflected on his journey from Foley, Alabama, stating, “I started when I was 8 years old, just a kid from Foley, Alabama. It was an amazing ride.”
